My parents were 19 when they decided to cross the border. They traveled with nothing, no money, no clothes and nowhere to go. They fought against the blistering heat and bone-chilling weather. They ran, walked and even crawled for 2,000 miles. When I was born, my parents lived in an apartment building around all of our family. So growing up, I would bounce around houses to take care of me since my parents both worked 2 jobs. My mother worked at 2 different restaurants, same with my dad. I would wake up somewhere new everyday as my parents would just carry me and drop me off downstairs to my grandma, where I would get picked up at around 10. Coming from a first-generation student means many things. But for me it means to turn my family's unspoken dreams into reality by pushing myself past our small apartment walls, and our small town dreams. Our family has faced many problems, deaths, sicknesses, immigration, bills, and money. Watching my parents struggle day in and day out to make sure I succeed in life, is my purpose. I dream of retiring my parents, pursuing my dream of attending a 4 year university and play college soccer in hopes of one day playing professionally. In my childhood I've lost many opportunities to play soccer due to our financial stability, Some days I couldn't make practice, or games because of transportation. I couldn't travel or change teams because of money. But one thing I could do is, prepare my body for when I get my chance. At my current rate I plan on playing D2 soccer, and pursuing my education. The only offers I have are from schools far, far away. Different states, means more money for tuition and living cost. I don't want my parents to feel like they will miss an opportunity for me to play at the next level just because of the money. I will use this scholarship to help with my college tuition and cut down the expenses for my family. I want to make them proud, see that smile on their face when they see my games on TV. I'm destined for greatness, I have no other option. I hope I am in consideration for the scholarship, it will help me and family shape my future and allow me to play at the next level. For a first generation student, this is a dream that everyone painted as a miracle. I'm glad I am in a position to apply for a scholarship and share a bit about my story.

My parents were 19 when they decided to cross the border. They traveled with nothing, no money, no clothes and nowhere to go. They fought against the blistering heat and bone-chilling weather. They ran, walked and even crawled for 2,000 miles. When I was born, my parents lived in an apartment building around all of our family. So growing up, I would bounce around houses to take care of me since my parents both worked 2 jobs. My mother worked at 2 different restaurants, same with my dad. I would wake up somewhere new everyday as my parents would just carry me and drop me off downstairs to my grandma, where I would get picked up at around 10. Once I was old enough for school, I would walk there and back no matter the weather. Once I would get to my grandma's she would make me food, which I basically lived off Campbell's canned food. But don't get me wrong, I used to love it. I remember playing soccer my whole childhood. I love soccer, its my first love and my first heartbreak. Growing up my dream has always been to play soccer professionally. But our state when I was younger was nowhere near stable. I couldn't join certain teams due to travel and money. I couldn't travel to any trips because of money. Money was always a problem, it felt like my dreams were blocked. Coming from a low income family, you face challenges many don't. Worried about our next meal, our lights staying on and having a way of transportation--Going to school and not understanding anyone because I only spoke Spanish, seeing everyone wear the newest clothes and I was asking for an extra pencil or supplies. Watching my parents struggle has always been my number one motivation for success. Seeing them sell their clothes and items just for them to afford my soccer broke me but I had to keep going for the sacrifices they had made for me. They have taught what it's like to work for every bit of opportunity and every chance to make an impact. I learned what it's like to be resilient, hardworking and determined. They built dreams bigger than the walls in our small apartments. Following my soccer career and education. I don't want them to feel a single financial burden. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the struggle of money, but it would allow me to focus on my studies and my dream. I am determined to use my future to contribute positively to society, and honor the sacrifices my family has made. I have been through ups and downs but I'm still standing. I know my purpose is meant for something great and bigger than our apartment walls.

My whole life I was benched, watching from the sidelines. Despite all my parents' sacrifices and hard work to get me into a better position than them, I had nothing to show for it. I was average, nothing special. I was overlooked, no one believed in me and I had no thought of college soccer. The worst time of my soccer career was my sophomore year. Coming off a successful freshman season on JV, where I scored 25+ goals. I felt on top of the world, I got comfortable and felt like the next year I was varsity for sure. They would need me, I thought. With so many seniors graduating I thought I had it made. But that's until reality hits. The whole summer I spent eating, messing around and no training. The day of my tryouts I felt zero concern, I showed up and was confused. I saw about 10-12 new guys I have never seen, I asked around and supposedly it was guys who didn't play freshman year due to academy but were really good. My heart sank to my stomach, I was unfit, slow, no technical ability, no work ethic and lazy. That led to me being a worker for it so why would I deserve it? My season had ended before it started, I played zero minutes, I was unhappy with myself. I had lost all my confidence and thought maybe soccer wasn't for me. After a long and depressing time of my life, I found myself lost. After my season I stopped playing soccer, but that only lasted 2 weeks. I realized I couldn't let my younger self down, I still had 2 years left of my high school season and was determined to prove everyone wrong and use it as fuel for my success. I spent countless nights researching the best ways to train and found something for me. I was up late at night kicking the ball at a wall, and early mornings going on long runs to lose weight. That summer I spent more time with a soccer ball than my family. Now my best moment in soccer is obvious. Tryouts came around and I had lost 35 pounds, ran 4 MPH faster, jumped 3 inches higher, my agility time went down by a whole 1.4 seconds and the 40 yard dash was 1 second faster. I was the talk of the time, everyone was shocked, especially my coaches. I went on to have the best season of my life, I was known for being the hardest worker on our team, I had big assists in big games. But nothing compares to scoring in a state final, the best moment of my life. A mark of my determination and hard work had paid off. Ending that season I was named most improved and MVP within our team. That led to my senior year being a starter, captain and awarded with first team all-league. My coaches praised me for being the best transformation he's seen in his 20+ years of coaching. Despite all the downs in my life, I chose to persevere. Now that college is around the corner, the ability to play college soccer is now a reality, my dream that was once a miracle is coming true. This scholarship will help me get an opportunity to play at the next level, coming from a low income family and first generation child, this scholarship will pave a way for my story to continue with the hope of one day play professional soccer.